Special News
On the 15th August 2011 Kokoro Aikido held a special seminar with special guest Grand master Gunter Bauer 9th Dan Hapkido, 10th Dan Soke of the React Close Quarter Combat System. At Soke's request Shidoin Tony Brown of Blackstar Aikido was asked to give a demonstration of the style of Blackstar Aikido.
After the demonstration Soke presented Tony with his 6th Dan. Photographs ensued managed by Sensei Kevin Merriman (ESKA). During the photo shoot Shidoin Ian Watts was presented with his National Coach Certificate a prestigious award indeed. The evening culminated with Soke Bauer giving a demonstration of his art. He then called a halt and presented Ian Watts his 6th Dan saying "I have known Ian for many years and seen demonstrations of his Aikido. I think he is the only Aikido instructor I have seen who can really demonstrate true enrgy (Ki) disruption. He deserves this award. Soke then made the evening even more special by awarding Ian Watts Kokoro and Tony Brown Blackstar the titles of "Renshi" a Japanese term which means "One who has mastered themsleves."